On June 30, 2020, the Qatari embassy in Mexico organized a virtual forum to mark the 45th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, in which various government figures participated. The forum was moderated by Dr. Amaury García, Director of the Center for Asian and African Studies of the Colegio de México (Colmex), with the participation of Martha Delgado, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the SRE, the ambassador of Qatar in Mexico, Mohamed Al Kuwari, the ambassador of Mexico in Qatar, Graciela Gómez García, Senator Cora Pinedo, President of Foreign affairs committee Asia-Pacific-Africa, Deputy Sergio Pérez, President of the Mexico-Qatar parliamentary friendship group and Lic. Yemile Tuma, President of the Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CAMIC ).
The moderator initiated the meeting with an extract from a speech of the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, on the Qatar National Vision 2030, which highlights the importance of the progress of society through its human and social values, sustainable management of the country's natural resources, transparency and government reforms that support the vision of a diversified economy and the objectives of a growing and prominent nation.
The undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the Mexican Foreign Ministry , Martha Delgado gave a message on behalf of HE. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard, greeting the Qatari people on the anniversary of 45 years of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Mexico, considering the occasion as a unique opportunity to celebrate what Qatar and Mexico have achieved in recent years in the area of bilateral relations, among which an intense agenda of official and business meetings between the countries, various agreements , as well as, she gave a message of solidarity with the Qatari families and people facing the Covid19 pandemic , pointing out to the commitment of Mexican government with multilateralism and international efforts to confront the pandemic . She also thanked the Qatari government for its recent donation of US $ 200,000 to Mexico, which will be used to provide the Medical staff in Mexico with health equipment to attend the coronavirus pandemic.
On the other hand, the Ambassador of Qatar in Mexico, Mohamed Al Kuwari, said that since the opening of both embassies, efforts have been joined to promote commercial exchange and mutual cooperation in international forums.
The visit of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in 2015, resulted in the signing of many agreements and memorandum of understanding beneficial to both countries in different fields such as trade, banks, air connectivity, education, energy, among others. He also Highlighted the initiatives of Qatar and contribution of 10 million dollars to the World Health Organization in support of the access of medical tools , in addition to its contribution of 20 million dollars to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization(GAVI).
Mexico's ambassador to Qatar , Graciela Gómez, spoke about how the relationship between the two countries that has evolved in the ultimate 45 years, mentioning that Qatar and Mexico are very important economic partners, proof of this is that in the first four months of this year, despite the pandemic, the commercial trade has increased 25% compared to last year.
She stressed that both countries are known for their multilateral collaboration especially for their mutual respect to non-intervention in internal affairs of another nation . "Both nations have very young populations which is a very important factor in working together in areas such as innovation, digital commerce and technology. " She added.
Likewise, she spoke about her experience as the first woman representing Mexico in Qatar, she spoke about the friendly atmosphere in Qatar , a country where women under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, play an important role in society through empowering initiatives.
During her participation, Senator Cora Pinedo, President of Foreign affairs committee Asia-Pacific-Africa; stated that on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Mexico and Qatar, contact between governments is becoming more solid, especially since the visit of the Emir of Qatar to Mexico in 2015 , where many agreements were signed between the two countries, and in 2018 the Mexican Senate ratified the agreement in the field of air services already signed by the two countries. Investment, business and political dialogue between the two nations have been strengthened. She Highlighted that Qatar is the seventh economic partner of Mexico in the Middle East.
On the other hand, Deputy Sergio Pérez, president of Mexico Qatar parliamentary Friendship Group highlighted his country's relationship with Qatar, stating that: “Qatar is one of our main partners in the field of natural gas and aluminum . In mexico, we export to Qatar cargo vehicles, refrigerators and some agricultural products. ”
He also stressed that as long as both countries continue working together, the cultural, economic and social bond will continue to grow.
On the other hand, the president of the Arab Mexican Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CAMIC), Lic. Yemile Tuma said that Qatar imports from Mexico have increased by 60% since 2017, while Mexico imports from Qatar have increased by approximately 30%. In 2019, commercial exchange between the two countries according to official data from the Ministry of the Economy, exceeded 134 million dollars and in the period from January to April 2020, commercial exchange already exceeds 41 million dollars.